I just learned today that John Bates passed away last year and the young age of 56. I am just sick to my stomach to hear this sad news. John and were good friends in high school and after. He was kind, thoughtful, funny and just an all around good person. I spent close to a week at his house when his parents were out of town I think right after high school. we talked, laughed, drank who knows how much beer, and listened to the Stones' Some Girls album about 30 times that week. Even after almost 40 years, I still think of him when I hear "Far Away Eyes". We used to hang out at his 2nd floor apartment in the Fan too after he moved there. Hang out for a weekend - talking on the porch, me smoking, both of us drinking cheap beer, watching crazy movies,and ording multiple pizzas a day.
I was fortunate enough to catch up with him at the 20 year reunion, meet his lovely wife, and spend some time talking about the fun times we had had.
I was fortunate to have had such a good and decent guy as a friend. Even though I had not seen him in years, it still pains me to learn of his passing. Another case of only the good die young. Rest In Peace John.
Bryan Slater
I just learned today that John Bates passed away last year and the young age of 56. I am just sick to my stomach to hear this sad news. John and were good friends in high school and after. He was kind, thoughtful, funny and just an all around good person. I spent close to a week at his house when his parents were out of town I think right after high school. we talked, laughed, drank who knows how much beer, and listened to the Stones' Some Girls album about 30 times that week. Even after almost 40 years, I still think of him when I hear "Far Away Eyes". We used to hang out at his 2nd floor apartment in the Fan too after he moved there. Hang out for a weekend - talking on the porch, me smoking, both of us drinking cheap beer, watching crazy movies,and ording multiple pizzas a day.
I was fortunate enough to catch up with him at the 20 year reunion, meet his lovely wife, and spend some time talking about the fun times we had had.
I was fortunate to have had such a good and decent guy as a friend. Even though I had not seen him in years, it still pains me to learn of his passing. Another case of only the good die young. Rest In Peace John.
Bryan Slater